But the Spirit Hall's power was terrifying. It held an extremely high status in Douluo Continent, rivaling even the two great empires.
Its soul master forces were vast—perhaps even more numerous than all the soul masters in both empires combined.
There were hundreds of Soul Douluos alone, and more than a dozen known Title Douluos. Among them, Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong were absolute powerhouses.
Escaping from their grasp was virtually impossible—let alone taking Xiaoxue away.
"Shi Hao… why are you so impulsive?! Saving your mother is your dad's job! How could I let you, a child, go by yourself?"
Shi Batian was so anxious tears threatened to spill. Only a father could truly understand how deeply he worried about Shi Hao's safety.
The little gourd brothers on the vine noticed Shi Batian's sorrow and spoke up with innocent voices:
"Dad… Dad, don't be sad."
"Big Bro is very strong. He will definitely bring Mom back."
"Dad… we'll grow up fast and go help Big Bro too."
Shi Batian looked at the young gourds on the vine and sighed deeply.
The six remaining gourd brothers weren't born yet. Shi Batian had to focus on protecting them—he couldn't afford to be distracted chasing after Shi Hao.
Shi Batian could only silently pray that Shi Hao wouldn't get into trouble. Otherwise, how could he face Qian Renxue?
…
Meanwhile, outside the home, the sneaky Shi Hao's face was full of excitement as he headed down the mountain.
"Wow! Wow! I'm out!!"
"Out!!! Haha!!"
Like Sun Wukong escaping from Five Finger Mountain, the boy's youthful face was full of uncontainable joy. Even if he hadn't come to rescue Qian Renxue, he'd long wanted to venture out. Shi Batian often told them stories of the Douluo Continent's wonders. Though born for some time, Shi Hao had barely left home.
His heart was full of longing for the outside world.
"Spirit Hall… I'm going to crush all of you and bring Mom back!"
Shi Hao said boldly, eyes blazing with absolute confidence.
Crunch! Crunch!
A gust of wind swirled around him, emphasizing his domineering aura. But with that innocent little face, it was hard to feel truly intimidated.
"Uh… crush the Spirit Hall? Are you serious? Maybe we should just go back so the old master doesn't worry."
A voice spoke — the white tiger Shi Hao had brought from home, grinning with half its teeth missing.
The White Tiger knew how terrifying the Spirit Hall was.
"We're no match for them… if it's too dangerous, just let me take you back."
Shi Hao slapped the tiger's head hard.
"Big cat, if you say you want to run again, I'll break the rest of your teeth!"
Shi Hao shouted, unwilling to let anyone steal his thunder.
The tiger clutched its head, too scared to argue.
They ran through the forest for a while until Shi Hao suddenly stopped, scratching his head.
"Uh… I forgot to ask Dad where the Spirit Hall is. Uh oh."
The missing-tooth tiger was dumbfounded.
"You don't even know where the Spirit Hall is, and you just left? Aren't you a bit too reckless?"
The tiger muttered in its mind but dared not show any sign of hesitation. This little master was definitely the most violent of all.
"Do you know where the Spirit Hall is, Big Cat?" Shi Hao asked.
"No… I've never been out of this forest. All I know are the legends told by spirit masters who come through."
Shi Hao scratched his head again.
The tiger hesitated and then cautiously suggested, "Little master, how about we go back and ask? Then we'll know where it is for sure."
"No way! I snuck out, remember? If I go back, Dad won't let me leave again."
"Your plan is awful!"
Shi Hao punched the tiger's head lightly again—enough to scare, but not hurt.
The tiger carefully opened its mouth again.
"Well, then let's go to the Star Dou Forest. Many high-level soul beasts live there. Our forest borders it. You can ask around there—they might know."
"Good idea! Let's go, let's go!"
"I'm not a horse…"
"Then, meow meow meow… just hurry up."
One boy and one tiger quickly vanished into the depths of the forest.
…
At the edge of Star Dou Forest, a common scene of hunting soul beasts was unfolding.
Boom! Boom!
A massive soul beast charged wildly at a group of humans. Though clumsy, its size and strength were terrifying.
The humans dodged its attacks, striking back relentlessly.
"Zhuqing, attack!"
A roar rang out.
"Others, support! Don't let other soul beasts get close!"
"Yes!"
A cold female voice responded.
A striking figure leapt into view—a young woman with an exceptionally voluptuous figure that seemed at odds with her youthful age. Her face was cold and expressionless, with mysterious, deep eyes.
She blurred into afterimages and slashed her claw-like weapon into the beast's left eye, piercing deep into its brain and ending its life.
The enormous beast crashed down, releasing a purple soul ring that shimmered in the air.
The girl exhaled deeply.
"Finally succeeded…"
The group gathered around.
"Haha… finally, after all that effort."
"Zhuqing, absorb it quickly!"
They were members of Shrek Academy, passing through Star Dou Forest to collect soul rings on their way to compete in the continent-wide Advanced Soul Master Academy tournament in Heaven Dou City.
Except for Tang San and Xiao Wu, everyone else in the Seven Devils had already obtained their fourth soul ring.
"Xiao San, Zhuqing already has her fourth soul ring. You should decide which soul beast you want as a soul ring so the teachers can help you catch it," said Dai Mubai, captain of the Seven Devils.
Tang San's teacher, Yu Xiaogang, a theory master, spoke next:
"I noticed a six-thousand-year-old human faced demon spider earlier. It's a good choice. Although it slightly exceeds the absorption limit, your body should be able to handle it…"
"Sounds good."
Tang San nodded. The demon spider was a solid pick.
_
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